Different Direction Leads to Amazing Results
11/18/2008 12:00:00 AM | Football
Editorial Note: This article ran in the Flames Illustrated football game day program on Nov. 15 (Gardner-Webb game). During the contest, Ryan Greiser finished the game with seven tackles, including a seven-yard tackle for a loss, helping the Flames seal up their second straight undefeated Big South season and championship.
After being exiled to Babylon, the Old Testament Israelites faced much uncertainty. Sensing their fear, God comforted His people, saying, "For I know the plans I have for you, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future."
Flames safety Ryan Greiser thought he had a future as a running back. At Pennridge High School in Sellersville, Pa., he made a mockery of opposing defenses with his speed and ability to find the end zone. As a senior, he rushed for 2,030 yards and 33 touchdowns, garnering numerous honors including the Old Spice Red Zone High School Player of the Year Award.
Greiser's accomplishments on both sides of the ball earned him several looks from top Division I schools such as Syracuse and Maryland. However, these schools only offered him a spot as a defensive back, not a rusher. Other FCS schools salivated over the thought of adding this top prospect to their roster, but few thought they had a chance.
"Back home, Ryan was held in high regard," Flames defensive back coach Marshall Roberts said.
If anyone knew of the prospect's high school success it was Roberts. After all, he grew up near Greiser's hometown, just outside Philadelphia. Despite knowing Greiser's family and his high school coach, Roberts, like many other FCS coaches, thought the highly recruited youngster would make the leap to Division I.
"When I saw the tape on my desk and found out he was interested in (Liberty), I thought it was a really special gift," Roberts recalled. "For him to be interested in Liberty, and at the time we weren't doing really well, it was a testament to his intestinal fortitude. He knew what he wanted to do and where he wanted to go. It was a true blessing to be able to recruit him."
"A couple bigger schools wanted me to play defense," Greiser said. "What really drew me to Liberty was the opportunity to play running back, but it's interesting how God works."
Unfortunately, Greiser's plans of playing on the offensive side of the ball did not pan out as he hoped. After sustaining an injury in preseason camp, he limped though his freshman campaign, finishing the year with 42 yards on 15 carries and a single touchdown.
As the Danny Rocco era began at Liberty, the newly acquired head coach saw a need for a powerful and quick body on defense. Upon assessing the situation, Rocco met with Greiser and decided to move him to safety for the 2006 season.
"At first I was kind of hesitant about it because I loved playing running back and that's what I came here to do," Greiser noted. "It really worked out great to make the change to defensive back. It was good for the team and it was good for me."
Although Greiser himself was a little weary of the switch, his fellow defensive backs welcomed their new safety with open arms.
"When (Greiser) made the move I was happy," teammate Patrick Calvary said. "It added another athlete to the defensive backs – somebody that could step in and do well and that's exactly what he did."
Greiser embraced his newfound role during his sophomore season, finishing third on the team with 63 tackles. In Liberty's upset victory over No. 24 Charleston Southern that year, he recorded an interception, earning the team's "Defensive Game Ball" for his valiant play.
The following season, Greiser surpassed his previous statistical numbers, racking up 67 total tackles and leading the team in solo stops with 43. His efforts earned him a spot on the Big South all-conference second team and a nod from his peers as a defensive team captain.
"It really meant a lot to me that the guys on the team looked at me as someone who can step up and lead this team," Greiser said. "It's probably one of my most proud accomplishments I have so far."
On pace to finish his collegiate career with a season best in total tackles, Greiser is currently ranked third on the team with 56. In Liberty's recent 38-26 victory over VMI, the safety finished the contest with 10 tackles, helping the team claim its second consecutive Big South title.
After experiencing abundant success in the safety position, Greiser says he finds comfort in being a prominent member of the Flames defense. One of the things he enjoys most about his role is the freedom he receives and the opportunity to line up in different spots on the field.
"In hindsight I am thrilled about how everything worked out," he said. "I really love the position. It worked out the best for the team and I really couldn't ask for anything more."
Indeed, the switch from offense to defense paid off tremendously. The same season Greiser moved to safety, running back Rashad Jennings joined the Flames roster, giving Liberty an explosive dose of instant offense. All the while, Greiser adjusted to his role nicely, never looking back.
Just two and half years after Rocco chose to place the former rusher on the opposite side of the ball, the team sits atop the Big South with two conference championships. With only a pair of contests left in this season of "Unfinished Business," the Flames remain hopeful for a playoff bid and a chance to win in the postseason.
"We've just got to move forward," Greiser stated. "The loss to Presbyterian left a terrible taste in our mouth, but the biggest thing we have to do is look ahead, look at our next opponent and take our negative feelings that we have out. We've only got a couple opportunities left, especially as seniors. We want to go out on a positive note and leave our mark here."
Despite the many fond memories he has with his teammates, Greiser will never forget the struggles he experienced during his freshman year. Like other fellow seniors, he too thought of returning home after that painful 1-10 season.
Choosing to stick it out like the rest of his teammates, Greiser says something bigger than himself and everyone else convinced him to stay.
"Things were rough," he said. "My faith really helped me get through the situation. Things weren't really working out the way I had planned, but God kind of had a bigger picture."
When he's not making plays on the gridiron, Greiser hits the weight room. He also likes to go running, but not just for a short gain or a few yards. Instead, the former rusher enjoys jogging long distances.
While he often partakes in physical exercise, Greiser is also a laid back guy who likes to relax, watch movies and hang out with friends.
"He's a good guy off the field," Calvary said. "He's been a good friend. On and off the field he's a great guy, so it's been a pleasure playing with Ryan."
Upon arriving at Liberty, Greiser wanted to one day be a youth pastor. Now just one semester away from receiving a bachelor's degree in kinesiology, he has changed his career path and plans on completing his student teaching in order to become a physical education teacher after graduation. Still the thought of playing professional football does not elude him as he hopes to try his hand at the next level.
"Lord willing, maybe I'll get a tryout somewhere or workout in the offseason, hopefully have a good pro day and see where that leads," Greiser said. "If that works out, then great, if not, I'll be a teacher somewhere. It's all in God's hands."
These days, Greiser welcomes his uncertain future. Three and half years ago, he thought he had it all figured out until God showed him a different path. This time with multiple options on the table, he puts his hope in the One who allows the faithful to prosper.
------
Eric Brown is a copywriter for Liberty's University Advancement office, assigned to cover athletics.
After being exiled to Babylon, the Old Testament Israelites faced much uncertainty. Sensing their fear, God comforted His people, saying, "For I know the plans I have for you, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future."
Flames safety Ryan Greiser thought he had a future as a running back. At Pennridge High School in Sellersville, Pa., he made a mockery of opposing defenses with his speed and ability to find the end zone. As a senior, he rushed for 2,030 yards and 33 touchdowns, garnering numerous honors including the Old Spice Red Zone High School Player of the Year Award.
Greiser's accomplishments on both sides of the ball earned him several looks from top Division I schools such as Syracuse and Maryland. However, these schools only offered him a spot as a defensive back, not a rusher. Other FCS schools salivated over the thought of adding this top prospect to their roster, but few thought they had a chance.
"Back home, Ryan was held in high regard," Flames defensive back coach Marshall Roberts said.
If anyone knew of the prospect's high school success it was Roberts. After all, he grew up near Greiser's hometown, just outside Philadelphia. Despite knowing Greiser's family and his high school coach, Roberts, like many other FCS coaches, thought the highly recruited youngster would make the leap to Division I.
"When I saw the tape on my desk and found out he was interested in (Liberty), I thought it was a really special gift," Roberts recalled. "For him to be interested in Liberty, and at the time we weren't doing really well, it was a testament to his intestinal fortitude. He knew what he wanted to do and where he wanted to go. It was a true blessing to be able to recruit him."
"A couple bigger schools wanted me to play defense," Greiser said. "What really drew me to Liberty was the opportunity to play running back, but it's interesting how God works."
Unfortunately, Greiser's plans of playing on the offensive side of the ball did not pan out as he hoped. After sustaining an injury in preseason camp, he limped though his freshman campaign, finishing the year with 42 yards on 15 carries and a single touchdown.
As the Danny Rocco era began at Liberty, the newly acquired head coach saw a need for a powerful and quick body on defense. Upon assessing the situation, Rocco met with Greiser and decided to move him to safety for the 2006 season.
"At first I was kind of hesitant about it because I loved playing running back and that's what I came here to do," Greiser noted. "It really worked out great to make the change to defensive back. It was good for the team and it was good for me."
Although Greiser himself was a little weary of the switch, his fellow defensive backs welcomed their new safety with open arms.
"When (Greiser) made the move I was happy," teammate Patrick Calvary said. "It added another athlete to the defensive backs – somebody that could step in and do well and that's exactly what he did."
Greiser embraced his newfound role during his sophomore season, finishing third on the team with 63 tackles. In Liberty's upset victory over No. 24 Charleston Southern that year, he recorded an interception, earning the team's "Defensive Game Ball" for his valiant play.
The following season, Greiser surpassed his previous statistical numbers, racking up 67 total tackles and leading the team in solo stops with 43. His efforts earned him a spot on the Big South all-conference second team and a nod from his peers as a defensive team captain.
"It really meant a lot to me that the guys on the team looked at me as someone who can step up and lead this team," Greiser said. "It's probably one of my most proud accomplishments I have so far."
On pace to finish his collegiate career with a season best in total tackles, Greiser is currently ranked third on the team with 56. In Liberty's recent 38-26 victory over VMI, the safety finished the contest with 10 tackles, helping the team claim its second consecutive Big South title.
After experiencing abundant success in the safety position, Greiser says he finds comfort in being a prominent member of the Flames defense. One of the things he enjoys most about his role is the freedom he receives and the opportunity to line up in different spots on the field.
"In hindsight I am thrilled about how everything worked out," he said. "I really love the position. It worked out the best for the team and I really couldn't ask for anything more."
Indeed, the switch from offense to defense paid off tremendously. The same season Greiser moved to safety, running back Rashad Jennings joined the Flames roster, giving Liberty an explosive dose of instant offense. All the while, Greiser adjusted to his role nicely, never looking back.
Just two and half years after Rocco chose to place the former rusher on the opposite side of the ball, the team sits atop the Big South with two conference championships. With only a pair of contests left in this season of "Unfinished Business," the Flames remain hopeful for a playoff bid and a chance to win in the postseason.
"We've just got to move forward," Greiser stated. "The loss to Presbyterian left a terrible taste in our mouth, but the biggest thing we have to do is look ahead, look at our next opponent and take our negative feelings that we have out. We've only got a couple opportunities left, especially as seniors. We want to go out on a positive note and leave our mark here."
Despite the many fond memories he has with his teammates, Greiser will never forget the struggles he experienced during his freshman year. Like other fellow seniors, he too thought of returning home after that painful 1-10 season.
Choosing to stick it out like the rest of his teammates, Greiser says something bigger than himself and everyone else convinced him to stay.
"Things were rough," he said. "My faith really helped me get through the situation. Things weren't really working out the way I had planned, but God kind of had a bigger picture."
When he's not making plays on the gridiron, Greiser hits the weight room. He also likes to go running, but not just for a short gain or a few yards. Instead, the former rusher enjoys jogging long distances.
While he often partakes in physical exercise, Greiser is also a laid back guy who likes to relax, watch movies and hang out with friends.
"He's a good guy off the field," Calvary said. "He's been a good friend. On and off the field he's a great guy, so it's been a pleasure playing with Ryan."
Upon arriving at Liberty, Greiser wanted to one day be a youth pastor. Now just one semester away from receiving a bachelor's degree in kinesiology, he has changed his career path and plans on completing his student teaching in order to become a physical education teacher after graduation. Still the thought of playing professional football does not elude him as he hopes to try his hand at the next level.
"Lord willing, maybe I'll get a tryout somewhere or workout in the offseason, hopefully have a good pro day and see where that leads," Greiser said. "If that works out, then great, if not, I'll be a teacher somewhere. It's all in God's hands."
These days, Greiser welcomes his uncertain future. Three and half years ago, he thought he had it all figured out until God showed him a different path. This time with multiple options on the table, he puts his hope in the One who allows the faithful to prosper.
------
Eric Brown is a copywriter for Liberty's University Advancement office, assigned to cover athletics.
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